SUCCESS STORIES

The financial dreams and aspirations of our customers – whether they’ve been with us for five months or 50 years – are what inspire us. Those dreams could include growing a business, buying a house, or building up savings. And when we help customers reach a goal, that’s when we’re proudest of our work.

We’ve captured some of our customers' stories to illuminate their success. We’re proud to partner with such outstanding people and businesses, and we hope you’re inspired by their stories just as we are.

Baruch Senior Ministries. Customer Since 1998.

Baruch Senior Ministries provides senior and assisted living services to the elderly in various Michigan communities. Using donor gifts, the nonprofit organization provides seniors with housing, care, and programs to lift their spirits and stimulate their senses. Through this work, Thomas Nobel, President and CEO of the company has learned something—to thrive, you often need a helping hand. In the way that the organization supports individuals in their later stages of life, Thomas has been supported by a financial relationship with Independent Bank since 1998—one that has aged gracefully over time.

The relationship today continues the same way it started 17 years ago—with a conversation. “What I like most about banking with Independent Bank is that the people are easy to talk to, that they are open with us, that we can bring questions and get honest answers,” Thomas says.

More than answers, Baruch Senior Ministries benefits from the teamwork and communication between Independent Bank branches. A few years back, in another part of the state, a banker with Independent Bank learned about the need for a new assisted living facility in his community. That banker, who had heard about Baruch Senior Ministries, approached Thomas with the opportunity and connected him with the developers. “They were thinking about our organization, they knew our organization, and did something to help us grow,” Thomas says.

Something else that has kept the two together for so long is a common passion: community involvement. “One thing that has struck me about Independent Bank is that they not only provide the banking services we need and talk to us about future needs, but they’re in the communities,” Thomas says. This goes for many fundraising events, including one put on by Baruch Senior Ministries. “They’re putting together a team to ride in our biking event,” Thomas added. “That says a lot about how they think of themselves as a partner in our business.”